3.5 per cent tax increase limit for 2026 approved by Council following Mayor Burton’s direction

Councillor Adams Named Chair, Councillor McNeice Vice-Chair of 2026 Budget Committee. Budget committee to consult with residents on draft budget.

Oakville Town Council endorsed Mayor Rob Burton’s direction to limit the overall 2026 Budget tax levy increase to no more than 3.50 per cent, following a staff presentation of the preliminary budget forecast. Although the staff forecast projected a 3.97 per cent increase to the overall tax bill to meet current service levels and anticipated growth needs, Council supported the Mayor’s call for fiscal restraint in the face of economic uncertainty and rising costs. The revised target reflects the town’s commitment to delivering on key priorities while maintaining responsible financial management in a challenging economic climate.

Over the next several months town staff will refine the operating and capital budgets focusing on Council’s strategic priorities. This will lead to a staff prepared budget going to the Budget Committee for review this fall in line with the Mayor’s direction.

Key highlights

• The Council-endorsed mayoral direction would see an anticipated 2026 overall property tax increase of 3.50 per cent which includes funding to support the Town's strategic priorities and objectives as outlined in the Council’s Strategic Plan.
• Council’s Strategic Plan continues to drive key budget decisions ensuring alignment with priorities such as Growth Management, Community Belonging, Environmental Sustainability and Accountable Government. Some major initiatives include the Housing Action Plan Implementation, Midtown District Energy feasibility study, parks improvements, development of a Climate Action Roadmap, IT security enhancements, and the implementation of a Stormwater Management fee.
• Inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty driven by the impact of the trade war between the United States and Canada are key factors influencing the forecasts with inflation showing signs of increasing in 2025. 
• Councillor Adams has been appointed as the 2026 Budget Committee Chair and Councillor McNeice has been appointed as the 2026 Budget Committee Vice-Chair. 

Budget 2026 community engagement

As part of the 2026 Budget process, the Budget Committee will be conducting ongoing public consultations starting in June and throughout the process to ensure the budget reflects the needs and priorities of the Oakville community. 

A staff draft budget is expected to be presented to the Budget Committee on October 21 and 23, with the Mayor presenting his budget to Town Council in December.

The 2026 budget process will follow Bill 3, Strong Mayors Building Homes Act 2022 which gives the Mayor the authority to propose and adopt the budget, subject to Town Council consultation.

For more information read the Budget Committee - June 16, 2025 staff report and the Mayor’s Budget Committee - June 16, 2025 report from last night’s 2026 Budget Committee meeting. 

The community is encouraged to explore the following resources and get ready to engage in discussions that will help shape Oakville’s future. 

• Watch the video on the Budget Basics page to learn about operating and capital budget, how the town collects and uses tax dollars.
• Visit the Strategic Plan page for priorities that form the focus of the 2026 Budget.
• Browse the Oakville Data Hub page for a snapshot of growth trends and how the town is performing on various key metrics.  
• In the coming weeks more information about the 2026 Budget process will be posted on the Annual Budget page.
• Questions or comments about the 2026 Budget can be directed to budget@oakville.ca. 

Quotes

“In these uncertain economic times—marked by tariffs and rising inflation—I’ve directed staff, with the support of the Budget Committee, to target a 3.5 per cent tax increase so Oakville can continue delivering strong services while maintaining one of the lowest tax increases in the GTA.”

–  Mayor Rob Burton

“The 2026 Budget Committee is working closely with staff and engaging with residents to meet the 3.50 per cent target while continuing to build and maintain community infrastructure our residents need.”

–  Town and Regional Councillor and 2026 Budget Chair, Tom Adams

“The 2026 Budget Committee remains focused on delivering essential services that meet Oakville residents’ needs while enhancing our community’s livability. We aim to balance fiscal responsibility with a strong commitment to community priorities and maintaining service levels.”

–  Town Councillor and 2026 Budget Vice-Chair, Jonathan McNeice